Extra! Extra! (6.1)
Brett Tomko's never had much luck in or against Atlanta. Last's night 9-3 loss to the Braves didn't exactly break the streak. Sure, he did retire his opening two batters during the top of the first. But after walking Jones, C. and promptly serving up a homer to Jones, A., the game (and Tomko's recent performances in general) went downhill like a runaway sled. Perhaps baiting batsmen a little too aggressively, Tomko gave up another homer later to Jones, C., and watched various Braves score on everything from Andre Ethier's fielding error to his own balk in a mere three innings.
On the plus side, by the time Tim Hamulack reached the hill, Atlanta's hitters were all homered out. And fans reading the box score can remain reassured that Nomar Garciaparra is not only a great hitter in the clutch, but he's equally capable of jacking one when the game's out of reach too. After watching some Blue pitchers falter of late, you know what two words would bring reassurance to Dodger fans? "Game over." It's a phrase that could soothe even the excitable likes of Brad Penny.
Tonight's game: A four-game home stand against the Philadelphia Phillies kicks off with Derek Lowe dueling Gavin Floyd. Lowe's looking for his third consecutive win and has been pitching well enough to have more going in the overall W department. Unfortunately, getting a little love from the Dodger bats hasn't come easy for him. Thankfully, Floyd has been a generous opponent lately.
Those who've missed Jeff Kent during his latest injury might wanna buy themselves a cardboard cutout for their living room, because his return to the field remains questionable. Another MRI's been scheduled for his wrist, and a trip to the DL may be on the horizon so the roster can be shored up. Poor Oscar Robles just can't ever get settled in one place. The eternal optimists will label this "convenient" as opposed to "setback," since Grady Little wants to test the reasonably soon-to-be-activated Cesar Izturis at second before moving him to short or third.
Finally, if you happen to run into Jose Cruz Jr., give him your best. His family's going through some rough times at the moment.
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Da da Da DA (Slash guitar intro)
Oh my God!!! (Axle voice intro)
Ladies and gentlemen, the most electrifying entrance in sports entertainment today.... Eric Gagne!!!!
He might not be back as the pitcher of old, but it's good to have the buzz back!!!
Posted by: LoLo | June 01, 2006 at 10:13 AM
LoLo,
Let's keep our fingers crossed that those most electrifying entrances are not followed by electrifying exits!
Seems that the psychological challenge for Gagne will be letting go of the need to blow people away. Can he make the mental adjustments to go from being overpowering to just being effective? (which will be more than good enough). And, of course, will the arm hold up?
Lots of questions...with the answers soon to come. Despite the uncertainty I too am fired up in a big way.
Go Blue!!
Posted by: SantaMonica4Ever | June 01, 2006 at 10:58 AM
cant wait to see Gagne in action.
Kent's appt is at noon. I will try to get some inside info about his hand/wrist before I go home.
I'll roam the halls around that time, maybe I'll give him a hello.
I feel for Oscar Robles. It's gotta be tough moving around this much this year.
Posted by: MrsThinkBlue | June 01, 2006 at 11:34 AM
MrsThinkBlue,
Do you work for a hospital that the Dodgers frequent, or do you work for the Dodgers? You can be our "Bond girl". Haha!!!
Posted by: LoLo | June 01, 2006 at 12:26 PM
"Let's keep our fingers crossed that those most electrifying entrances are not followed by electrifying exits!"
Now that comment was damn funny!!
On a serious note, I definitely hear where you are coming from. Fingers are crossed, salt has been thrown over my shoulder, rabbit foot in hand, and I just sacrificed a chicken just like Cedeno did in “Major League” (although I do think they gave him some fried chicken).
Posted by: LoLo | June 01, 2006 at 12:30 PM
I wont say exactly where I work, but it's close to what LoLo said.
The news is Mr. Kent will be ok. He wont be able to play for "a couple more days" No cast was required. I don't know the exact diagnosis, but it is most likely what was said... just a bruise.
=)
Posted by: MrsThinkBlue | June 01, 2006 at 03:05 PM
Dodgers stadium is gonna be rocking tonight if Eric Gagne comes out pitching the 8th or 9th inning. Lets win this 4 game homestand against the Phillies! GO DODGERS!
Posted by: Anthony T. | June 01, 2006 at 03:29 PM
MrsThinkBlue,
See!! You ARE our “Bond Girl”. Mystique and all :o)
Posted by: LoLo | June 01, 2006 at 05:16 PM
K bros and anyone else,
Now that the boys are back in town, I'm expecting an answer to "is clubhouse house music coming out of something other than headphones still dissallowd?" And I have another one for you.
Why did the chicken cross the road? Or in other words What the hell is the purpose of calling a balk? Talk about adding insult to injury. Poor Tomko was getting shelled last night and had no chance of helping his team pick up a W. Then with bases loaded the ump feels the need to call a questionable balk.
What was this need, what is the need anytime? What is being prevented? Was it possible that by Brett not coming to a complete stop he was preventing the Braves from attempting a triple steel while they were ahead in a game by 7 runs?
Even if it was a 2-1 game, Dodgers in the lead in the ninth, runner at 2nd and Gange on the mound. What advantage does the pitcher have if he doesn't come to a complete stop? I also understand there are other reasons for calling a balk.
Any info would be apreciated. Thanks.
Posted by: Pho 06 | June 01, 2006 at 06:13 PM